KIEREN FALLON, Henry Cecil's retained jockey this year, rode his first winner of what promises to be a rewarding 1997 Flat turf season at Leicester yesterday.

The Billesdon Selling Stakes (Div I), won by the John Wharton trained First Gold, will not be the most prestigious event on the jockey's agenda this year.

But it did at least get the Clareman up and running as First Gold gained a neck verdict over the pacemaking Backhander and Northern Fan, who dead heated for second place.

Fallon will this season have the pick of the inmates of Warren Place, including leading 1,000 Guineas contenders Sleepytime and Reams Of Verse.

Others to look forward to are Bosra Sham, successful in last year's 1,000 Guineas, and Lady Carla, who won the Vodafone Oaks before reportedly suffering a wind problem before beaten in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh.

Looking forward to the challenges ahead, Fallon said: "This season it will be a question more of quality than quantity. Mr Cecil has got some very nice fillies and some nice colts.

"I really like Reams Of Verse. She is an attractive looking filly who looks well in herself. They all seem well. Our two year olds look fairly forward and they are a smashing bunch.

"Lady Carla looks a picture and although she hasn't done any fast work, I think she is over her problems. Bosra Sham is bucking and kicking. I sat on her a few weeks ago and she felt so well. And there are other fillies that haven't even run yet.

"Of the colts the one I really like is Bequeath, who gives you a fantastic feel."

According to the bookmakers, Frankie Dettori rates as a virtual certainty to regain the jockeys' title from Pat Eddery, who was in splendid form yesterday when riding a treble.